Fresh Looks, Timeless Appeal: Reinventing a Carlsbad Home

Back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Carlsbad, California, saw a surge of upscale tract homes popping up in neighborhoods like Aviara and La Costa. While stunning in their heyday, these homes are now 25 years old and practically begging for a refresh.

I’ve been fortunate to breathe new life into several of these homes, tackling ambitious remodels that honor their original charm while elevating their design to meet modern tastes. One standout project in La Costa Valley offered the perfect opportunity to merge tradition with contemporary flair. Here’s how we transformed it.

Our Goals

1. Create a cohesive, elevated design that feels timeless.

2. Seamlessly blend the homeowners’ East Coast tradition and West Coast contemporary vibes.

3. Incorporate personal collections and modern pieces without missing a beat.

The Kitchen: A True Centerpiece

To modernize the heart of the home, we started by eliminating outdated soffits and raising the cabinetry to the 10-foot ceiling. A multi-layer crown molding added a sense of grandeur while cleverly concealing HVAC and plumbing.

The color palette—soft cream and navy—exudes warmth and tradition. Countertops in leathered Taj Mahal and Perla Venata Quartzite bring sophistication and durability, while a travertine backsplash with timeless blue patterns from Stone Impressions adds a personal touch.

We swapped an awkward walk-in pantry for sleek, functional cabinets and replaced the cramped island and kitchen table with an expansive island featuring ample storage and seating for the family. Modern Alno hardware and Visual Comfort pendant lights tie everything together. Finally, a French door replaced the single door, inviting the outdoors in.

The Family Room: Balance Meets Beauty

Reconfiguring the fireplace to the center of the wall instantly brought symmetry to the space. We added slim-line ledge stone up to the ceiling, creating a stunning focal point, while flanking cabinetry displays the homeowners’ beloved teapot collection.

Contemporary furniture with warm hues keeps the room inviting, and artwork by local artist Nancy Fraser adds a cohesive charm.

Dining Room:

Where Old Meets New

The dining room ties together the traditional and modern elements, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for gatherings. Collected Chinese artwork hangs above cherished furniture pieces, mixing treasured finds with fresh touches. A thoughtful color palette keeps it grounded yet interesting.

Primary Bath: Functional Luxury

Outdated and clunky, the original bath was completely reimagined. A freestanding tub replaced the oversized built-in, opening the space. Marble-look porcelain wainscoting, herringbone floors, and large-format shower tiles create a modern yet timeless atmosphere.

Built-in medicine cabinets add hidden storage, and moving the toilet room door allowed for a linen and laundry cabinet, making the space both beautiful and practical.

Powder Room: A Jewel Box of Design

The powder room’s transformation is all about drama and elegance. This small space shines with a glass sink, abalone mosaic backsplash, and a vanity made of white pearl quartzite. A custom-framed inset mirror complements the shimmering wallpaper, while soft ambient lighting enhances the room’s jewel-box effect, making it a true conversation starter for guests.

Laundry Room: A Happy Place

We maximized functionality in the laundry room with custom cabinetry designed for specific needs, including pull-out hampers and built-in shelving for supplies. The cheerful blue wallpaper brings personality to the space, making even mundane chores feel a little more enjoyable. It’s one of the homeowner’s favorite spaces.

Art and Collections: The Heart of the Home

Incorporating the homeowners’ extensive art and collections was both a challenge and a joy. We carefully curated each piece to ensure it fit seamlessly within the design, achieving a perfect balance of personal expression and aesthetic harmony.

Curating Your Own Space

Curating a collection takes courage and honesty. Start simply: decide what’s non-negotiable and what can go. With the right approach, you’ll create a home that reflects who you are while feeling fresh and inviting.

This project was a labor of love, blending timeless design with personal storytelling—a true testament to the power of a well-designed home.

An Update from Us

Hello Clients and Friends,

I hope this message finds you healthy and creating a way to be in the world right now. I’m beginning to see signs that people are getting out and about as restrictions loosen and some shops and public spaces open up.

Safety First!

For me, business has continued, albeit at a much slower pace. I’ve only met a few times on job sites and we all wear masks to operate as safely as possible. Some meetings are taking place via Zoom or FaceTime or Team so we can still manage projects and keep the on site presence to a minimum. The trades we work with are all wearing masks and doing all they can to keep our clients and themselves healthy; including minimizing the number of trades on site at any given time.

We are Open and Creating!

After spending all this time at home, you may be seeing things that really aren’t working for you. We are here to help you create the home of your dreams, and there is so much we can do virtually.

One of my clients and I met on site and created a plan for a new powder room update and built in book cases. Drawings, renderings and inspiration photos were emailed and shared on a call facilitating decision making and the estimating process.

At one bathroom under construction, we met virtually to make some decisions with the client and GC on site. Another client is remodeling her powder room and we were able to select wallpaper, lighting and a mirror without needed to meet. Our paint consultation will be in person and we will wear masks while inside. Projects are moving a bit more slowly but they are moving. Our suppliers are opening their production again and we anticipate most moving back to regular shipping schedules in the weeks ahead.

Outdoor Rooms

There has been an increased interest in patio and outdoor room design as people anticipate they will be home more often this summer. There are so many fabulous options for outdoor furniture and fabrics now that you would think they were for the most upscale living rooms and not for your back yard! We can help you design an outdoor living room or kitchen.

Years ago, about 23 years ago actually, I did a Master Gardening program and created a giant vegetable garden on our 1 1⁄2 acre property in Lexington KY. I would joke that my tomatoes cost about $15 a pound by the time I paid to have the soil turned, mulched and weeded!

When we moved to California 20 years ago I tried to start a vegetable garden and had my first encounter with a tomato hornworm. I gave up vegetable gardening! Until now. About a month ago I planted seedlings and seeds for tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, patty pan squash, spaghetti squash and various lettuces. It feels great to create! I find peace in digging in the soil and joy in watching the tiny sprouts break through the soil crust and emerge to the light.

The 8 green beans I harvested the other day will not provide sustenance for my husband and I, but they do bring hope that we will emerge stronger and with a greater sense of community and purpose.

I look forward to speaking with you soon!

To My Clients and Friends: Thank You

I have been thinking of you all, my clients and friends. Are you still working? Hunkering down at home? Do you have a house full of people or are you separated from your friends and family?

This pandemic sure has changed our lives! I’ve heard it said we are all experiencing the same storm but in different boats.

I care about your boat! I care about you and how you are managing in your home.

Are you looking around and seeing all the things that are not working? I am here for you NOW.

I recently shared with you a Blog Post where I offered my clients a complimentary 30 minute virtual consultation to create a Peaceful Home and a Sacred Space. I would like to extend that offer again. Yet this time I offer it for any home concern you have.

We can FaceTime or Zoom. You can show me what is of concern to you and we can create a plan of action, and even possibly use things you already have to design a workable home office, a study area for your children, or solution to whatever is not working for you. Right now.

I had my first Virtual Consultation with a client in upstate NY. Lisa wanted to create a space to read, exercise and be quiet. She has a sofa in a barn on the property that will be brought up to her refuge. She is sewing pillows and curtains from drapery she is no longer using in her city apartment. Lisa has traveled extensively and will hang meaningful pieces collected on her journeys to remind her of the joy of adventure.

Until we can be together again, and perhaps even after, we can work together to have your homes be the space for renewal you need them to be. I would love to help!